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Typhoid Vaccination

Typhoid fever is caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water infected with the bacterium Salmonella enterica, serotype typhi. Paratyphoid fever is less severe but clinically similar, caused by Salmonella paratyphi. The vast majority of cases occur in Asia but there are still reports of infections across the world, particularly in Africa and parts of Central & South America.

Typhoid Vaccination

£35

Per dose (injection or oral capsules available)

Book Now

(Subject to availability, T&C's, discounts and offers)

🦠 What is Typhoid?

Typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi). It spreads through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. Paratyphoid fever, caused by S. paratyphi, is a similar but milder illness. Both are common in South Asia, Africa, and parts of Central & South America.

🩺 Signs and Symptoms

  • Sustained high fever (39-40°C / 102-104°F)
  • Severe headache and weakness
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Rose-colored spots on trunk
  • Loss of appetite and fatigue

👥 Who's at Risk?

  • Travelers to South Asia, Africa, Central & South America
  • Residents of endemic regions
  • Food handlers and healthcare workers
  • Close contacts of infected individuals
  • Those visiting friends/relatives abroad (VFR travelers)
  • Immunocompromised individuals

Vaccination Options & Schedules

We offer three typhoid vaccination options depending on your age, travel plans, and preferences:

1. Typhoid Injection (Injectable Vaccine)

Age Doses Required Schedule Time Before Travel Boost Required
2-85 years 1 Single dose 7-10 days before travel Every 3 years

Injectable vaccine: Single dose provides protection for 3 years. Suitable for ages 2+ years. Most convenient option.

2. Oral Typhoid (Capsules - Vivotif)

Age Doses Required Schedule Time Before Travel Boost Required
6-85 years 3 capsules Days 0, 2, 4 (every other day) Complete course 10 days before travel See specialist pharmacist (typically 1 year)

Oral vaccine: 3 capsules taken on alternate days. Must be swallowed whole with cold drink. Suitable for ages 6+ years. Avoid with antibiotics or immunosuppression.

3. Hepatitis A & Typhoid Combined Vaccine (ViATIM)

Age Doses Required Schedule Time Before Travel Boost Required
16-85 years 1 Single dose 1-2 weeks (preferably), but anytime is acceptable* Hepatitis A booster only at 6-12 months after 1st dose

Combined vaccine: Protects against both Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Ideal for travelers needing both vaccines. Hep A booster needed at 6-12 months for long-term protection. Typhoid component lasts 3 years.

📋 Disease Progression

Incubation period: 1-3 weeks

  • Week 1: Gradual fever rise, headache, malaise, abdominal discomfort
  • Week 2: High sustained fever (39-40°C), rose spots, enlarged spleen/liver
  • Week 3: Possible complications - intestinal bleeding, perforation
  • Week 4: Gradual improvement or severe complications

⚠️ Complications: Intestinal bleeding (10-15%), intestinal perforation (1-3%), myocarditis, encephalitis. Case fatality rate 10-30% if untreated, <1% with treatment.

🦠 How It Spreads

Fecal-oral transmission:

  • Contaminated food: Food prepared by infected person with poor hygiene
  • Contaminated water: Untreated or inadequately treated water supplies
  • Typhoid carriers: Contact with chronic carriers (harbor bacteria without symptoms)
  • Poor sanitation: Lack of proper sewage disposal and handwashing facilities

High-risk foods & drinks:

  • Raw or undercooked shellfish
  • Raw fruits and vegetables (washed in contaminated water)
  • Ice cubes made from contaminated water
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Street food in endemic areas

🌍 Endemic Regions

Highest risk areas:

  • South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh (60% of global cases)
  • Southeast Asia: Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam
  • Africa: Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly West Africa
  • Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti
  • South America: Parts of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador
  • Middle East: Iraq, parts of Arabian Peninsula

⚠️ 21 million cases and 200,000 deaths occur annually worldwide.

🩺 Detailed Symptoms by Stage

Early Symptoms (Week 1):

  • Gradually rising fever (step-ladder pattern)
  • Severe headache (frontal)
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Dry cough
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Muscle aches
  • Relative bradycardia (slow pulse despite fever)

Advanced Symptoms (Weeks 2-3):

  • Sustained high fever (39-40°C / 102-104°F)
  • Rose-colored spots on trunk (2-4mm, fade on pressure)
  • Enlarged spleen and liver (hepatosplenomegaly)
  • Severe abdominal pain and tenderness
  • Constipation (adults) or diarrhea (children)
  • "Pea-soup" diarrhea (characteristic)
  • Confusion or delirium ("typhoid state")

Severe Complications:

  • Intestinal bleeding (melena - dark, tarry stools)
  • Intestinal perforation (requires emergency surgery)
  • Septic shock
  • Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
  • Encephalitis or meningitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Kidney or liver failure
  • Chronic carrier state (2-5% of patients)

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

  • Vaccination: Get vaccinated 1-2 weeks before travel
  • Safe food: Eat thoroughly cooked, hot food
  • Safe water: Drink bottled or boiled water only
  • Avoid ice: Ice cubes may be made from contaminated water
  • Peel fruits: Peel your own fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid street food: Higher contamination risk
  • Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap
  • Avoid raw foods: No salads, raw vegetables, unpasteurized dairy

Remember: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!"

💊 Treatment Options

Antibiotic treatment:

  • First-line: Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
  • Alternatives: Azithromycin, ceftriaxone (for resistant strains)
  • Duration: 7-14 days depending on severity
  • Resistance: Increasing antibiotic resistance, especially in South Asia

Supportive care:

  • Hospitalization for severe cases
  • IV fluids for dehydration
  • Fever management
  • Nutritional support
  • Surgery if intestinal perforation occurs

⚠️ Early treatment reduces mortality from 30% to <1%.

📞 When to Seek Help

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Fever develops after travel to endemic area
  • Sustained high fever (>39°C / 102°F)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in stools (dark, tarry appearance)
  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Severe headache with neck stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Symptoms worsen despite treatment

🚨 Typhoid is a medical emergency requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.

💉 Which Typhoid Vaccine Should I Choose?

Injectable Vaccine (Best for most travelers)

Advantages:

  • Single dose - most convenient
  • Suitable from age 2 years
  • Lasts 3 years
  • No dietary restrictions
  • Can use with antibiotics
  • 70-80% protection

Disadvantages:

  • Injection site soreness
  • Need 7-10 days before travel

Oral Vaccine (Alternative option)

Advantages:

  • No injection needed
  • May provide slightly better protection (up to 80%)
  • Protects against paratyphoid

Disadvantages:

  • 3 capsules over 5 days
  • Must complete 10 days before travel
  • Cannot take with antibiotics
  • Storage requirements (refrigeration)
  • Not for immunocompromised
  • Shorter duration (1 year typical)

Combined Hep A + Typhoid (Convenient combo)

Advantages:

  • Protects against two diseases
  • Single injection
  • Cost-effective if need both
  • Hepatitis A protection for 25+ years (with booster)
  • Typhoid protection for 3 years

Disadvantages:

  • Only for ages 16+ years
  • Need Hep A booster at 6-12 months
  • Higher cost than typhoid alone

Protect Yourself from Typhoid Fever

Get vaccinated before traveling to endemic regions. We offer injection, oral, and combined vaccine options.

Book Your Appointment